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Knowledge retrieval is a decisive part of the performance of a knowledge management system. In order to enhance retrieval accuracy, an effective performance evaluation mechanism is necessary. Nowadays, there is not a standard evaluation framework for knowledge retrieval evaluation, because the evaluation set up is still technology-dependent, focusing on specific elements of the search context. The laboratory-based evaluation is not suitable to evaluate the knowledge retrieval process, since knowledge is dynamic, constantly changing and evolving. Besides, ambiguous query is also an important factor for the performance of knowledge retrieval systems. In order to improve the performance of knowledge retrieval, this paper proposes an evaluation mechanism using Six Sigma methodology to help developers continuously control the knowledge retrieval process. Specifically, this study involves the following tasks: (i) proposes a general knowledge retrieval framework based on the analysis result of knowledge retrieval, (ii) designs the knowledge retrieval evaluation framework using Six Sigma's Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) process and (iii) develops the related technologies to implement the knowledge retrieval evaluation mechanism. The knowledge retrieval evaluation mechanism allows system developers to maintain the knowledge retrieval system with ease and meanwhile enhance the accuracy.

Simulation optimization is an approach that is used to solve problems involving stochastic components. This paper presents a Lexicographic Nelder-Mead (LNM) based simulation optimization (LNM-SO) method to solve multi-criteria simulation optimization problems. The method is designed to be relatively easy-to-implement and be applicable to a wide range of problem domains. To effectively evaluate the overall performance of this method, a Time-Quality Estimator (TQE) was developed to evaluate the performance of LNM-SO in terms of both quality of solution and computational speed. Computational results of five different test problems showed that the method was highly effective.

This research proposes a Web-based version of a lean office simulation game (WeBLOG). The game is designed to be used to train lean concepts to office and administrative personnel. This group belongs to the frequently forgotten side of a lean enterprise. Over four phases, the game presents the following seven lean tools: one-piece flow, error-proofing, elimination of overprocessing, balanced workload, multifunctional workforce, pull, and total quality. The concept of continuous improvement is also covered. Participants can play the game from remote and separate locations by logging into a specified Internet site. Additionally, the game can be played with a combination of real and virtual (simulated) players. Several performance metrics are automatically calculated and displayed at the conclusion of each phase. The results of the current phase can then be compared to the results from all previous phases to better illustrate the impact of newly introduced lean tools.

Three methods were developed to solve nonlinear goal programming (NLGP) problems by adapting and extending the Netder-Mead method, the Complex search methcxi. and the Hooke and Jeeves Pattern Searc...

Several clinical and laboratory studies have demonstrated electromagnetic interaction between implantable medical devices like pacemakers and cell phones being operated in close proximity. Those devices are largely now immune to phone interaction or procedures have been established to limit their interaction. The use of cell phones near people with implanted neural stimulators has not been studied. This research was initiated to investigate electromagnetic interaction between current cell phone technology and specific models of Cyberonics neural stimulators. Out of 1080 test runs conducted for this study, no interactions were observed, and it was concluded that the phone technologies examined in this study did not adversely affect the Cyberonics NeuroStar (Model 102) NeuroCybernetic Prosthesis (NCP) System. This article provides details on the experimental procedure that was used, which can also be used to test other neural stimulators and test technologies, and the results obtained.

The study described in this paper investigated the possible interference of spurious emissions from cellular phones on aircraft navigation and communication equipment. Six wireless phone technologies were investigated over three frequency ranges, which covered the receiving ranges of five aircraft systems. The aircraft systems examined were very-high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR), localizer (LOC), very high frequency communication (VHF), glide slope (GS), and global positioning system (GPS). Research was performed in a semi-anechoic chamber (SAC) and a reverberation chamber (RC), with the phone at a distance of 1 m from the receiving antenna. Two antenna orientations were tested in the SAC. Initial tests yielded the appropriate height from the receiving antenna above the ground plane that would produce a maximum field measurement. Keypad programming was used to simulate worst-case phone transmissions. Radiated power measurements were performed and analyzed taking into consideration path loss results from the RTCA/DO-233 study. None of the six phone technologies investigated exhibited a power level greater than a 38-dBm path loss level above the maximum sensitivity of the aircraft system antennae when tested 1 m away from the antenna. These results indicate that, for the aircraft systems tested (VOR, LOC, VHF, GS, and GPS), the antenna of these systems would not have detected the emissions of the phones used in this study (CDMA-cellular, TDMA-11 Hz, TDMA-50 Hz cellular and PCS, GSM, and DCS-1800).

Pull system is an important component of lean manufacturing that can effectively reduce typical wastes associated with push production systems, such as overproduction. Using Toyota’s Kanban system, a production line can be configured as a pull system to avoid unnecessary accumulation of Work in Process (WIP). Another common method to carry out a pull concept is the CONWIP line, which maintains a constant WIP level within a segment of production line. Both methods have proven effective, but they may have different characteristics. The objective of this paper is to explore the potential to combine Kanban and CONWIP methods into a robust hybrid pull system that preserves the advantages of both methods while minimizing the disadvantages of each individual method. A simulation study has been carried out based on a real-world assembly line. Various pull system configurations of the assembly line have been evaluated and compared in terms of WIP level, number of Kanban cards in system, and throughput. The study shows that the productivity of CONWIP configuration outperforms Kanban configuration in majority of scenarios; and the performance of a well designed hybrid system can be more robust to various scenarios, compared to Kanban and CONWIP system.

Los principios de Lean Manufacturing se usan principalmente para mejorar la productividad, reducir el tiempo de entrega y eliminar desperdicios. Los impactos en consumo de energía también se pueden estimar usando principios de Lean. El objetivo de este artículo es el de medir el impacto del uso de herramientas de Lean Manufacturing en el consumo de energía, partiendo del supuesto de que su aplicación debería reducirlo. La metodología evalúa y documenta la utilización de la energía como parte de la elaboración de Mapas de la Cadena de Valor. Finalmente se presenta una aplicación piloto en una empresa industrial. Lean principles are mainly used for increasing productivity, reducing lead time, and eliminating waste. Energy impacts can also be assessed by using the lean principles. The objective of this paper is to measure the impact of Lean Manufacturing tools on energy consumption, with the base assumption that they should help decrease it. The methodology assesses and documents the energy utilization as a part of VSM. A pilot application in an industrial setting is presented.

The main objective of this project is to enhance the effectiveness of workforce forecast and deployment through innovative approaches of artificial intelligence. The research included a final document of conventional and innovative methods of workforce forecasting and a decision support software program incorporating advanced artificial intelligence techniques for workforce forecasting.

This paper reviews research performed at the University of Oklahoma Center for the Study of Wireless EMC, providing a summary of the results and discussion concerning the impact of the research on industry. In addition to a review of the research, we also discuss the management of risk of EMI in conjunction with these and other electronic devices, based on the results of our research.

Modern training methods call for active engagement of the trainees in the training process. Simulation games are among the most effective methods of training. As waste elimination concepts become more popular, numerous lean training packages have been developed. Most of these packages include simulation games as a hands-on training tool. So far, lean simulation games have largely focused on manufacturing. However, administrative or office processes also contain a great deal of waste and could benefit from a game aimed at their processes. This paper proposes a lean office simulation game to demonstrate the effect of lean implementation on office processes. The game uses four phases to simulate the impact of several lean tools. Various performance metrics are recorded during the game to capture the impact of these tools. A case study of the game played by administrative personnel is included along with an analysis of the results.